Information for
Prospective GIFT Family Participants
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What is Family GIFT? Family G.I.F.T. (Getting Into Fitness Together) is a creative 8-week physical activity program for children ages 6-12 and their families. Supported by the Constella Foundation and Bank of America, the goal of the program is to help families who are concerned about weight or fitness improve their health through participation in appealing, lively, and fun activities. Family GIFT sessions take place on the UNC Asheville campus once or twice per week, from 4:45-5:45 p.m. About half of the sessions are designated as "full family" days: Activities are geared for the whole family so that children and parents have the opportunity to enjoy physical games together (e.g., an aerobic scavenger hunt, parachute games, an egg hunt with a twist, and outdoor water activities). The remaining sessions are aimed at different age groups (younger children, older children, and adults). All child and youth activities - ranging from tag and relay races to obstacle courses and pool games - are led by a team of trained UNC Asheville students who also serve as family mentors throughout the program. Parent activities include walking/jogging, water aerobics, yoga, weights, and dance. To encourage out-of-class physical activity, we assign all participating families weekly "homework" - weekend activities designed for the whole family. We hope to encourage families to work together to develop more active lifestyles. It takes a family...to raise a family's fitness level!
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Who can participate in Family GIFT? Any family concerned about fitness or weight is eligible to participate. However, children cannot participate unless at least one parent also agrees to participate (and the more family members involved, the merrier!). We do ask that you consult with your family physician before registering for the program. We will provide active childcare for children too young to participate (ages 2-6), and we can accommodate teenagers as well. Just let us know about your child care needs, or any special needs of participating family members, when you complete the registration form.
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How much does Family GIFT cost? Family GIFT participants will be asked to pay a one-time family fee of $30, fully refundable upon completion of the program. (Yes, this is your incentive to keep coming!) In addition to the twice-weekly activity sessions, the program offers healthy snacks for child participants, fitness equipment incentives, child care if needed, and parking on the UNC Asheville campus.
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Sounds great; how do I sign up?! Unfortunately, due to space limitations on the UNC Asheville campus, the GIFT program will not be offered in the spring of 2010. We hope to resume GIFT in future semesters. Please contact Dr. Himelein for information about the next potential offering of GIFT (phone number, 251-6834, or email her at himelein@unca.edu).
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